Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
Excellent small SUV
We looked at several mid-size and small SUVs. The midsize ones were too bulky and usually with poor visibility for us. The final debate was between the Escape and its cousin, the Mazda Tribute. The latter has a softer ride and longer warranty. The discounts were greater than those for the Escape ($3k vs $2k, and $500 vs $400 college grad discount), but overall we got a better deal from our Ford dealer than we could get for the Tribute. It's hard to decline $2,500 below invoice. The vehicle rides as we expected. The V6 accelerates well and is a pleasure to drive. The sound system is so good that it's overkill (300 Watts!).
Warning! Faulty Left front Strut
Bought it in Jan. '05. We love it! However from the beginning a thump has been heard coming from area of left front-end. A road trip to Scott City, Kansas revealed more noise. A terrific dealership there determined the left strut may have been improperly mounted when the car was built by manufacturer. They replace and corrected mount and everything has been perfect since. The next time we trade I'm taking the Escape and buying my wife a new one.
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,9002 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,90031 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,98834 mi away
review of 2005 Escape
Intended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.
Finally, A Nice Ford Vehicle
I am very pleased with my new vehicle. I was a little hesatant to buy a Ford due to their past problems. However, the Escape has a nice ride and fuel efficant for as well as a SUV can be. I was also pleased by the way I was treated by the Ford dealership that I went to. All in all, I am extremely happy with my new purchase.
Great SUV
Looked far and wide for a 4 cyl/5 speed FWD. This is a great drivetrain. Have gotten 31 MPG several times. Overall I get 28+MPG on my mostly highway commute. Snow is no problem with FWD. I run good snow tires and have had no problems even in deep snow. Not as good as my old jeep but never got stuck. Get the 05 and up vs the 04 if you can. Much better interior design and the bigger 2.3 motor gives better performance and fuel milage. Looked at the Toyota and Honda, but were much more expensive and much smaller. My son is 6'3" and fits in the back with no problems. Also no $300-500 timing belt to worry about on these cars. Has been very reliable. 60,000 miles and no problems what so ever.